Every year, the mobile market is flooded with new Android smartphone models from different brands, while Apple releases its own iPhone line under much stricter control. This dynamic causes not only older devices to suffer a rapid depreciation of value, but also raises an important question among consumers: Which operating system best maintains the price of its devices on the second-hand market, Android or iOS?
A comprehensive report by BankMyCell, a renowned mobile phone exchange and resale site, along with studies from other specialized sources, reveals a stark reality: Android phones are losing value at a rate that is twice as fast, or even faster, than iPhones.In this article, we'll show you the key points behind this difference, the latest data, and the determining factors by brand and range.
How quickly do Android and iOS phones depreciate?
According to BankMyCell's analysis, the difference in depreciation is abysmal:
- Un iPhone loses, on average, between 16 and 24% of its value during the first year after its launch, and around 45-48% upon reaching two years.
- Compared, Android flagships can lose up to 34% in the first year, and that figure rises to over 60% at two years of age.
This gap widens even further in the low-end range, where the most affordable Android devices can suffer depreciation of up to 52% in the first year alone, even exceeding 73% after two years and approaching 95% after four years from launch.
Makes and models: Who loses the most value?
Not all brands depreciate equally within the Android universe. OnePlus, Google, Samsung, Motorola and Sony stand out with the largest percentage drops.:
- OnePlus can lose up to 37% of its value in just one year, affected by battery problems and screen failures.
- Google Pixel around 38-42% depreciation in the first year; the Pixel 6 lost over 42% in just one month compared to an iPhone 13, which dropped only 21%.
- Samsung Galaxy In the S range, it shows value losses of 45-54% during the first year, although the most recent models have slightly improved this trend, approaching the depreciation speed of the iPhone.
- Motorola and Sony They usually exceed 40% annually, with extreme cases (Motorola Razr, LG Velvet) that have lost more than 80% of their initial value in a short time.
By contrast, Apple continues to lead in value retentionAlthough the latest generation of iPhones has begun to depreciate somewhat more rapidly than usual (recent cases show a drop of between 41% and 48% in the first year for the latest models), it still performs much better than the major Android brands.
Key factors that accelerate depreciation in Android
Several factors explain why Androids are losing more value than iPhones:
- Frequent launch of new models: The huge number of Android devices released each year (of different brands and ranges) saturates the supply and quickly reduces the price of older models.
- Limited software update support: While Apple guarantees updates for five years or more even on older models, only a few Android devices today come close to eight years of support, with the exception being the Fairphone, Google Pixel in some cases, and Samsung in its latest releases. More info at Is it worth getting insurance for your smartphone?.
- Lower demand in the second-hand market: The iPhone has a loyal user base and high global demand, which keeps interest in used models high, and therefore their value.
- Manufacturer diversity and price control: Apple controls every stage of its devices' life cycle and imposes barriers to drastic price cuts, while Androids compete fiercely with each other, lowering prices to gain market share.
- Perception of durability and reliability: The average consumer associates the iPhone with greater longevity and a premium experience, making it a more attractive product even when used.
Obsolescence, sustainability and new trends
In recent years, concern about the sustainability and durability has grown among consumers and regulators. This has prompted some brands, such as Fairphone or Google itself in its latest models, to expand software support and increase the lifespan, gradually approaching Apple's update policy. The goal is to reduce the scheduled obsolescence and provide greater resale value in the long term.
Still, the rapid emergence of new technology and consumer desire for the latest innovation continue to make depreciation a constant, especially in the Android world.
Real comparison: Samsung Galaxy vs iPhone case
It's interesting to compare how two representative Android and iOS models depreciate. For example, shortly after launch, a Samsung Galaxy S series can lose 50% or more in value in just a few months, while the corresponding iPhone drops 8-10% less in the same period. The difference, although slightly narrowing year over year, is still significant.
The latest reports also indicate that the gap between the depreciation of Samsung's and Apple's most advanced handsets is narrowing, although iPhones remain the best bet for those planning to sell their phone after a certain period of use.
Tips to minimize depreciation and sell your phone better
- Keep the original box and accessories: This adds value and confidence to the second-hand buyer.
- Keep the device in good condition: Screen, battery and body should be at their best.
- Make sure you receive all available updates:An updated device is more attractive.
- Sell before a new generation comes out: The launch of new models has a strong impact on prices.
- Consider brands and models with long-term support: They tend to depreciate less.
- Get information on buying and selling portals and compare prices before setting one for your device.
Every smartphone choice involves considering how quickly it will lose value. An iPhone remains the safest option for those looking to maintain its market value, although the gap with the major Android flagships, especially in recent high-end models, may narrow over time. The general trend indicates that, despite recent changes, users interested in reselling and long-term savings will find iOS to be more stable, while Android will continue to offer a wide variety and options for all tastes and budgets, albeit with faster and more intense depreciation.
